ISL 2019-20: Odisha beat NorthEast United FC to keep playoff hope alive

Odisha FC kept themselves in the hunt for a play-off spot in Indian Super League (ISL) thanks to a come from behind win over NorthEast United FC at the Kalinga stadium on February 14.

Martin Chaves scored his first goal of the league in the 24th minute to give the Highlanders the lead. A long ball by NorthEast United skipper Federico Gallego found Chaves who had no problem in slotting the ball past the keeper.

The teams went into the half-time with scoreboard reading 1-0. But Odisha turned the tide around in the second half.

A minute after the break Manuel Onwu scored the equalizer for Odisha. Nandhakumar Sekar's cross was easily turned in by Onwu. It was Onwu's fourth goal in three games. Odisha's comeback was complete in the 72nd minute when a corner-kick by Xisco Hernandez was converted by Perez Guedes.

NorthEast United tried hard and almost had their second goal of the match thanks to a sparkling run in the 83rd minute by Ninthoinganba Meetei but was denied by Odisha's defence.

Odisha managed to hold to their slender lead till the final whistle and notch all three points and keep themselves in the hunt.

The win saw Odisha rise to the fifth spot and still with a chance to qualify for the play-offs, while NorthEast United’s poor run of form continued.